Men Troll on Facebook More than Women Because of Narcissism, Study Suggests

According to new research by the Brunel University of London, men are more likely to have antisocial motives for using Facebook. This suggests their greater levels of narcissism.

This is the first ever study that suggests, men are more likely to face bullying or online trolling on Facebook. It also confirms a link between that behavior and trait.

According to scientists, men are more motivated to use Facebook antisocially.

Women generally use social media pro-socially, especially when it comes to connectedness and belonging. Both terms can be explained partly by higher levels of relational self-construal.

Scientists explained, “The link between narcissism and stronger antisocial Facebook use might be connected with the general tendency of narcissists to hold extremely positive opinions of themselves which may alienate others.”

Scientists involved more than 570 US participants in the study. Almost 77% of them were white and 85% in full or part-time work or study. They then asked participants to be regular Facebook users.

Participants need to rate themselves on a 13-point narcissistic personality scale. They then rated themselves on a relational self-construal scale and on a uses-of-Facebook scale.

Scientists found, most of the participant’s reports themselves as self-reported.

They noted, “Sex differences in Facebook use may be a further reflection of the pervasiveness of gender stereotypes in the behaviors of men and women. In terms of greater narcissism, one explanation may be that as a result of stereotypes, characteristics such as competitiveness, assertiveness, need for achievement and dominance, tend to be encouraged in the socialization of men and punished in women. The reverse holds true for communal characteristics, such as relational self-construal.”

Empowering self-definition reliably with others could efficiently reduce trolling behavior. It may also allow people to use Facebook in more socially constructive manner.

Scientists believe that it will help meet the basic requirement for having a place and the support of connections. They also recommend more involvement of a more internationally diverse sample size. Although, the higher levels of narcissism found in individualistic societies, places the higher value on the development of a distinct and unique self.

A previous research by Dr. Marshall and Dr. Ferenczi suggests, people who post Facebook status updates about their romantic partner, tend to have lower self-esteem. On the other hand, people who brag out about diets, exercise, and accomplishments typically acts as narcissists.

They also have suggested a simple guide to spotting a narcissist on Facebook:

Narcissist are,

More likely to post self-promoting content

More likely to post frequent status updates and brag about their achievements

The more they post, the less likely they are to receive validation in the form of likes and comments

They tend to seek more social support than they’re willing to give back

They get angry when social contacts do not comment on content

They retaliate against negative comments

They’re more likely to engage in Facebook bullying

The findings also suggest the association of narcissism with self-promotion and cyber bullying.